Spotlight on NYTRO Multisport

The exotic red and black “Ferrari” F60 Colnago bicycle (#1 of 199 in the world) outlined in a green and white pinstripe proudly displayed in the store window sends a message to its customers entering the shop. The message…we carry only the best products in the business.

Once you step inside this bustling shop, you realize it’s true. Owner’s Skip and Kristie McDowell carry the finest bikes, equipment, and clothing in their Encinitas based store. They are literally chocked to the ceiling with a wide price range of bicycles from Cervelo, Felt, Kuota, Scott, Cannondale, Kestrel, QR, Pinarello, Colnago, Guru, and more. No wonder Triathlete Magazine calls Nytro “the Mecca of Triathlon gear.” As a proud sponsor of TCSD, members receive a 10% discount on everything in the place – from bikes, wheels, and wetsuits to apparel, shoes, and nutrition.

Once you have selected your ride, their “F.I.S.T. Certified” bicycle fitters dial you into the saddle for optimum aerodynamics, power, and comfort. All Nytro customers receive free fitting for the life of their bike. If you are looking to upgrade your current bike, Nytro offers a generous bike trade-up program.

In the past year since they purchased the shop, Skip and Kristie have focused on improving the customer experience in the store – much bigger inventory, better store layout, expanded bike service area, a new professional fit studio, and a Nordstrom-like customer service attitude. Nytro’s bike and wheel inventory is the largest on the West Coast. Store manager Walt Downey says that carbon fiber bicycles are dominating the marketplace because they’re lighter, stiffer, and finally affordable to the masses. “The Cervelo P2C at $2,500 for Ultrega and $3,000 for Dura-Ace has been our biggest sellers so far this year.”

In addition to sponsoring TCSD and several local clubs, Nytro supports CAF (Challenged Athletes Foundation) and Team Semper Fi (wounded warriors returning from battle, many of whom are amputees). Nytro also sponsor’s several pro and amateur triathletes including 18 world champions since 1992.

Nytro stays on the cutting edge of cycling by hosting free technical seminars sponsored by industry leaders, all for the benefit of its customer base. For example, I attended an informative seminar conducted by Felt engineers and learned how they utilize wind tunnel testing for improving aerodynamic frame construction and how they use high modulus carbon to increase stiffness and strength while reducing overall weight.

Nytro mechanics are certified at either the Colorado or Scram School of mechanics. They offer special pricing to TCSD members for bike tune-ups and support the environment by recycling tires/tubes and using biodegradable detergents.

Stop by Nytro any Saturday morning and you will be treated to free coffee and bagels as part of their Saturday morning club ride. You’ll also see the “Nytro Feed Zone” tent in front of the shop with free nutrition for all cyclists.

A big part of Nytro’s business is conducted on line. So, if it’s a sleek new bicycle, race wheels, running or cycling accessories, click onto www.nytro.com.

Mr. Duquette is a local Carlsbad, California Personal Injury Trial Attorney who since 1983 has mixed law with his love of Bicycling and Surfing from Baja to Bali. He can be reached via e-mail atrduquete@911law.com and his Web site is www.911law.com. His phone number is (760) 730-0500.